2 int’l fights featured in Pacquiao card

Two other international fights are on tap in the Manny Pacquiao-Nadel Hussein duel on Oct. 14 at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.

Manny Melchor defends his WBC International minimumweight title against unheralded Zarlit Rodrigo of Gen. Santos City while Randy Mangubat, RP No. 1 contender, and Jong Wan Kim of South Korea dispute the vacant WBC International flyweight crown.

Both fights, scheduled for 12 rounds, are in the undercard of Pacquiao’s defense of his WBC International superbantamweight crown against undefeated challenger Hussein, a Lebanese-born fighter based in Australia.

"This will be a very exciting triple treat and expected to be a toe-to-toe battle," promoter Gabriel "Bebot" Elorde said.

Melchor aims to retain his title for the second time, after a successful bout last June beating Mongolian Shinebayar Sukbatar.

The fights are presented by Rizal Provincial Gov. Casimiro Ynares Jr., San Miguel Beer, Pagcor and Elorde Sports Center and to be shown on a slightly delayed basis over IBC 13 at 10 p.m.

Former world flyweight champion Pacquiao was reported in "very good shape and in high spirits" for his crucial fight with Hussein, who holds a 19-0 records with 11 knockouts.

Tickets for this blockbuster event are available at the following: Ynares Sports Center (650-1239/ 696-1487); Rizal Provincial Capitol (635-3448/634-7176); and Elorde Sports Center (829-9721/829-9727/541-9398).